FR3105113A1 - VEHICLE WITH IMAGE GENERATION DEVICE ADJUSTABLE BY A LEVER IN TWO PERPENDICULAR DIRECTIONS - Google Patents

Abstract

A vehicle comprises: - a main support installed in front of at least one seat intended to accommodate a passenger, - an image generation device (3), - a mount (6) secured to the main support, to which the image generation device is secured generating images (3), and comprising first (7) and second (8) mechanisms rotating, respectively around first (9) and second (10) axes perpendicular to each other, the image generation device ( 3) as a function of first and second commands, and - a joystick generating the first and second commands as a function of actions exerted on it by the passenger to observe the images generated. Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 3

Description

VEHICLE WITH IMAGE GENERATION DEVICE ADJUSTABLE BY A JOYSTICK IN TWO PERPENDICULAR DIRECTIONS

Technical field of the invention

The invention relates to vehicles comprising at least one image-generating device, and more specifically the orientation of this image-generating device with respect to its support.

State of the art

Very many vehicles include a support, installed in front of at least one seat intended to accommodate at least one passenger, and on which is installed a device generating images for this passenger. In almost all cases, the image-generating device is fixedly installed on its support and therefore cannot be oriented with respect to the latter so that a passenger (for example the driver) can observe the images displayed in such a way optimal. Only certain display devices, called "heads up" and using a mirror intended to project the images generated onto the windscreen, can be associated with a control device allowing the driver to orient their mirror by rotation around a axis parallel to the transverse direction of their vehicle.

Because of this fixed connection, some drivers do not see the images displayed optimally. This results from the fact that the single three-dimensional orientation of the image-generating device with respect to its support is determined for an "average" passenger whose eyes are placed at a height and a distance with respect to the display zone of the images which are included in a three-dimensional zone of fairly restricted dimensions and whose vision allows observation at low incidence. In other words, when a passenger's eyes are located outside this three-dimensional zone and/or do not allow observation at low incidence, the passenger cannot correctly observe the images displayed, unless to move and/or reorient his head in relation to them, which can be dangerous if he is driving the vehicle. Moreover, in an autonomous driving vehicle, the position of a passenger in an autonomous (or automated) driving phase can be quite different from that which he has in a manual driving phase (in particular if he is the driver), and therefore in the autonomous driving phases there is a high probability that any passenger will not be able to correctly observe the images displayed.

The aim of the invention is therefore in particular to improve the situation.

Presentation of the invention

It proposes in particular for this purpose a vehicle comprising a main support installed in front of at least one seat intended to accommodate a passenger, and an image generation device.

This vehicle is characterized by the fact that it also includes:

- a mount secured to the main support, to which the image-generating device is secured, and comprising first and second mechanisms driving in rotation, respectively about first and second axes perpendicular to each other, the image-generating device in function of first and second commands, and

- a joystick generating the first and second commands according to actions exerted on it by the passenger to observe the images generated.

Thus, the joystick allows the passenger to optimally orient the image-generating device with respect to the main support, in order to optimally observe the images generated without having to move and/or reorient his head with respect to to the latter, and whatever their size and morphology.

The vehicle according to the invention may include other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

- the frame may comprise, on the one hand, a plate secured fixedly to the main support and on which the first mechanism is fixedly secured, on the second hand, a first support mounted for rotation around said first axis on the plate, driven in rotation by the first mechanism and to which the second mechanism is fixedly secured, and, on the third part, a second support mounted for rotation about the second axis on the first support, driven in rotation by the second mechanism and to which is fixedly secured the image generation device;

- The first mechanism may comprise a first electric actuator having a first end secured fixedly to the plate and a second end coupled to the first support;

- The second mechanism may comprise a second electric actuator having a first end fixedly secured to the first support and a second end coupled to the second support;

- it may comprise a first electronic circuit restricting the operation of the first mechanism to a rotational drive of the first support in a first predefined angular sector, and a second electronic circuit restricting the operation of the second mechanism to a rotational drive of the second support in a second predefined angular sector;

- It may comprise two first stops fixedly secured to the plate and limiting the rotations of the first support in two opposite directions in a third predefined angular sector;

- It may comprise two second stops secured fixedly to the first support and limiting the rotations of the second support in two opposite directions in a fourth predefined angular sector;

- the image generation device can be a virtual hyper reality device generating three-dimensional images;

- the main support can be a dashboard installed in front of at least one front seat;

- it may optionally be of the automotive type.

Brief description of figures

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent on examination of the detailed description below, and of the appended drawings (obtained in CAD/DAO (“Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Drawing”), from which seemingly broken lines and some shades of gray), on which:

schematically illustrates, in a perspective and transparent view, part of an example of a dashboard of a vehicle according to the invention comprising an image display device housed in a positioning device,

schematically illustrates, in a perspective view and in transparency, the positioning device of Figure 1, before its installation in the dashboard, and

schematically illustrates, in a side view and in transparency, the positioning device of FIG. 2 equipped with an image display device.

Detailed description of the invention

The object of the invention is in particular to propose a vehicle 1 comprising at least one main support 2, installed in front of at least one seat which can accommodate at least one passenger, and on which is installed at least one image-generating device 3 which can be oriented by this passenger in order to optimize the observation of the images generated.

In what follows, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the vehicle 1 is of the automobile type. For example, a car. But the invention is not limited to this type of vehicle. Indeed, it concerns any vehicle comprising at least one support installed in front of at least one seat that can accommodate at least one passenger. Therefore, the invention relates to all land vehicles, boats and aircraft.

Furthermore, it is considered in what follows, by way of non-limiting example, that the main support 2 is a dashboard of a vehicle (here automobile). But any type of main support that can be equipped with a positioning device 4 (described below and to which an image generation device 3 is attached) is concerned by the invention. Thus, in the case of a vehicle, it may also be, for example, a central console or a side door (or door) or a rear face of a seat back or even a an armrest (possibly central).

In addition, it is considered in what follows, by way of non-limiting example, that the image generation device 3 is a virtual hyper reality device generating three-dimensional images, for example giving the impression of floating as in the case of an "exobox". But any other type of image generation device making it possible to display the images that it generates on a screen that it includes may be used, including those that include a touch or digital screen.

There is schematically shown in Figure 1 a portion of a main support 2 (here a dashboard) intended to equip a vehicle (here automobile) 1 according to the invention, and more specifically here a passenger compartment, being installed in front of the at least one seat that can accommodate at least one passenger. In this illustrative example the main support 2 and the seat are installed in a front part of the passenger compartment. But this is not mandatory.

In the example illustrated without limitation in Figure 1, the main support 2 comprises a housing 5 in which the positioning device 4 is fixedly installed. But the latter (4) could be installed on a flat area of a main support.

As partially illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the positioning device 4 of a vehicle 1, according to the invention, comprises a mount 6, to which the image-generating device 3 is secured, and a joystick (with circuit electronic), not illustrated.

The mount 6 is secured to the main support 2 and comprises first 7 and second 8 mechanisms arranged so as to drive in rotation, respectively around first 9 and second 10 axes perpendicular to each other, the image generation device 3, depending first and second commands generated by the gamepad.

The joystick is arranged so as to generate the first and second commands according to actions which are exerted on it by a passenger, who is seated on the seat located close to the main support 2, to observe the images generated.

The joystick can, for example, be fixedly attached to the main support 2. But this is not mandatory. Indeed, it can be offset in the vehicle 1 on a piece of equipment other than the main support 2. In addition, the joystick does not need to be located in the immediate vicinity of the positioning device 4. But it must be installed in a zone which is easily accessible to a hand of a passenger wishing to observe the images generated by the image-generating device 3 and installed normally on his seat (for example in a driving position in the case of a driver). Indeed, the orientation of the image-generating device 3 must be optimal for this passenger when he is placed in this normal position, since it is in the latter that he will observe the generated images. Thus, in the case of a motor vehicle, the controller can, for example, be installed on the central console which is placed between the front passenger seat and the driver's seat.

Thanks to this adjustment by the passenger concerned, by means of the joystick, of the orientation of the image generating device 3 with respect to the main support 2, this passenger can optimally observe the images generated without having to move and /or to reorient his head in relation to the latter, and whatever his size and morphology. In addition, this orientation can be adapted specifically to the position of the passenger seat and to the inclination of the backrest of this seat with respect to the image generation device 3, thus allowing use both in a manual driving phase and in an autonomous (or automated) driving phase, in particular when the passenger is the driver of vehicle 1.

For example, this controller can be a "joystick", similar to those used to control drones, scale models or robots, or to control game consoles. It will be understood that the lever comprises not only mechanical elements (including one (prehensible) actuated by a passenger's hand), but also an electronic circuit generating the first and second commands according to the actions exerted by the passenger on the prehensible mechanical element orientable in space (in at least two mutually perpendicular directions). These first and second commands can be digital or analog.

As illustrated without limitation in Figures 2 and 3, the mount 6 may include a plate 11 and first 12 and second 13 supports.

The plate 11 is fixedly secured to the main support 2. In the example illustrated without limitation in Figure 1, this plate 11 is fixedly secured to the main support 2 in the bottom of the housing 5.

The first mechanism 7 is fixedly attached to this plate 11. This attachment can be done directly, for example by screwing or clipping, or indirectly, for example by means of at least one fixing means, such as for example a lug or a necklace.

The first support 12 is mounted for rotation around the first axis 9 on the plate 11. It is driven in rotation by the first mechanism 7.

The second mechanism 8 is fixedly attached to the first support 12. This attachment can be done directly, for example by screwing or clipping, or indirectly, for example by means of at least one fixing means, such as for example a lug or a necklace.

The second support 13 is rotatably mounted around the second axis 10 on the first support 12. It is driven in rotation by the second mechanism 8.

The image generation device 3 is fixedly secured to the second support 13. For this purpose, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 2 and 3, the second support 13 can, for example, delimit an open housing 14 in which is installed the image-generating device 3. The attachment of the image-generating device 3 to the second support 13 can be done directly, for example by screwing or clipping, or indirectly, for example by means of at least one means attachment, such as a bracket.

As illustrated without limitation in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first support 12 can, for example, delimit an open housing in which the second support 13 is housed with sufficient free space and/or opening(s) to allow its rotational drive around the second axis 10 relative to the first support 12.

For example, the first 12 and second 13 supports can be made by molding or injection of a plastic material. But they could also be made of metal, for example aluminum, or by three-dimensional (or 3D) printing, for example.

The first support 12 can, for example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 2 and 3, be mounted for rotation relative to the plate 11 via at least one intermediate disc 19. In this case, it is the intermediate disc 19 which is rotatably mounted on the plate 11, and the first support 12 is fixedly secured to the intermediate disc 19.

It will be noted, as illustrated without limitation in FIGS. 2 and 3, that the first support 12 may comprise two opposite walls in which are respectively defined, in an upper part, two indentations (or notches) 15 in which are respectively rotatably mounted two tabs 16 defined on two opposite walls of the second support 13, in an upper part. For example, these two tabs 16 can be clipped in rotation in the notches (or notches) 15. Alternatively, the two tabs 16 could be part of the second support 13 with circular support locally on the first support 12 (and therefore in pivot rotation ).

It will also be noted, as illustrated without limitation in Figures 2 and 3, that the first mechanism 7 may comprise a first electric actuator having a first end secured fixedly to the plate and a second end coupled to the first support 12.

For example, the first end of the first electric actuator 7 can be secured fixedly to a rear part of the plate 11, possibly via a fixing lug, and the second end of the first electric actuator 7 can be secured (preferably with the possibility of rotation) to a fixing lug 17, itself fixedly fixed to the first support 12 (or to the intermediate disc 19).

But other arrangements of the first mechanism 7 can be envisaged, and in particular an endless screw driven in rotation by a small electric motor and associated with a nut (bearing on one of its hexagonal faces to allow the translation of the nut and the rotation).

It will also be noted, as illustrated without limitation in Figures 2 and 3, that the second mechanism 8 may comprise a second electric actuator having a first end fixedly secured to the first support 12 and a second end coupled to the second support 13.

For example, the first end of the second electric jack 8 can be secured fixedly to a rear wall 20 of the first support 12, possibly via a fixing lug, and the second end of the second electric jack 8 can be secured (preferably with a possibility of rotation) to the second support 13, possibly via a fixing lug. For example, the second end of the second electric actuator 8 is secured to a front wall 21 of the second support 13, in a lower part.

But other arrangements of the second mechanism 8 can be envisaged, and in particular an endless screw driven in rotation by a small electric motor and associated with a nut.

It will also be noted, although this does not appear in the figures, that the vehicle 1 can also comprise a first electronic circuit restricting the operation of the first mechanism 7 to driving the first support 12 in rotation in a first predefined angular sector, and a second electronic circuit restricting the operation of the second mechanism 8 to driving the second support 13 in rotation in a second predefined angular sector. In other words, the first electronic circuit comprises a first sensor (possibly an electrical contactor) which signals when the rotation corresponds to a minimum angle (minimum value of the first angular sector) in order to prevent the current rotation (controlled by the passenger via the joystick) goes below this minimum angle, and a second sensor (possibly an electrical contactor) which signals when the rotation corresponds to a maximum angle (maximum value of the first angular sector) in order to prevent the rotation in progress (controlled by the passenger via the joystick) goes beyond this maximum angle. Similarly, the second electronic circuit comprises a first sensor (possibly an electrical contactor) which signals when the rotation corresponds to a minimum angle (minimum value of the second angular sector) in order to prevent the current rotation (controlled by the passenger via the joystick) goes below this minimum angle, and a second sensor (possibly an electrical contactor) which signals when the rotation corresponds to a maximum angle (maximum value of the second angular sector) in order to prevent the rotation in course (controlled by the passenger via the joystick) goes beyond this maximum angle.

These first and second electronic circuits can constitute two sub-parts of the same overall electronic circuit, for example defined on an electronic card.

It will also be noted, as illustrated without limitation in FIGS. 2 and 3, that the vehicle 1 can also comprise two first stops 22 fixedly secured to the plate 11 and arranged so as to limit the rotations of the first support 12 in two opposite directions in a third predefined angular sector. It will be understood that these first two stops 22 are of the mechanical type and intended to physically prevent the current rotation of the first support 12 (controlled by the passenger via the joystick) from going below a minimum angle (minimum value of the third sector angular) or goes beyond a maximum angle (maximum value of the third angular sector). It is part of a wall of the first support 12 (or a piece attached to the latter (12)) which abuts against one of the first stops 22.

These first two stops 22 can be used instead of the first electronic circuit described above, or in addition to this first electronic circuit in the event that it fails. In the first alternative the third angular sector can be equal to the first angular sector, while in the second alternative the third angular sector can be greater than or equal to the first angular sector. It is part of a wall of the second support 13 (or a piece attached to the latter (13)) which abuts against one of the second stops 23.

It will also be noted, as illustrated without limitation in FIGS. 2 and 3, that the vehicle 1 can also comprise two second stops 23 fixedly secured to the first support 12 and arranged so as to limit the rotations of the second support 13 in two opposite directions in a fourth predefined angular sector. It will be understood that these two second stops 23 are of the mechanical type and intended to physically prevent the current rotation of the second support 13 (controlled by the passenger via the joystick) from going below a minimum angle (minimum value of the fourth sector angular) or goes beyond a maximum angle (maximum value of the fourth angular sector).

These two second stops 23 can be used instead of the second electronic circuit described above, or in addition to this second electronic circuit in the event that it fails. In the first alternative the fourth angular sector can be equal to the second angular sector, while in the second alternative the fourth angular sector can be greater than or equal to the second angular sector.

It will also be noted, as illustrated without limitation in FIG. 1, that the vehicle 1 can also comprise a cover (or cover) 24 masking the frame 6, at least on its front part (oriented towards the seat(s)) . This cover (or cover) 24 is fixedly secured to the support 2 (or to the plate 11).

Claims (10)

Vehicle (1) comprising a main support (2) installed in front of at least one seat intended to accommodate a passenger, and an image-generating device (3), characterized in that it further comprises i) a mounting (6 ) secured to said main support (2), to which said image-generating device (3) is secured, and comprising first (7) and second (8) mechanisms driving in rotation, respectively around first (9) and second (10) mutually perpendicular axes, said image generating device (3) as a function of first and second commands, and ii) a joystick generating said first and second commands as a function of actions exerted on it by said passenger to observe said generated images. Vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that said mounting (6) comprises i) a plate (11) fixedly secured to said main support (2) and on which said first mechanism (7) is fixedly secured, ii) a first support ( 12) rotatably mounted around said first axis (9) on said plate (11), driven in rotation by said first mechanism (7) and to which said second mechanism (8) is fixedly fixed, and iii) a second support (13) rotatably mounted around said second axis (10) on said first support (2), driven in rotation by said second mechanism (8) and to which said image-generating device (3) is fixedly secured. Vehicle according to Claim 2, characterized in that the said first mechanism (7) comprises a first electric jack having a first end secured fixedly to the said plate (11) and a second end coupled to the said first support (12). Vehicle according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that said second mechanism (8) comprises a second electric actuator having a first end fixedly secured to said first support (12) and a second end coupled to said second support (13). Vehicle according to one of Claims 2 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a first electronic circuit restricting the operation of the said first mechanism (7) to driving the said first support (12) in rotation in a first predefined angular sector, and a second electronic circuit restricting the operation of said second mechanism (8) to driving said second support (13) in rotation in a second predefined angular sector. Vehicle according to one of Claims 2 to 5, characterized in that it comprises two first stops (22) fixedly secured to the said plate (11) and limiting the rotations of the said first support (12) in two opposite directions in a third sector predefined angular. Vehicle according to one of Claims 2 to 6, characterized in that it comprises two second stops (23) fixedly secured to said first support (12) and limiting the rotations of said second support (13) in two opposite directions in a fourth sector predefined angular. Vehicle according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the said image-generating device (3) is a virtual hyper-reality device generating three-dimensional images. Vehicle according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the said main support (2) is a dashboard installed in front of at least one front seat. Vehicle according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it is of the automobile type.